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Your ancestors were Native Americans. Please tell us a little about you and what you do as a group.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
George Taylor is the founder of the \u201cLe-La-La Dancers\u201d. He comes from the Kwakwaka\u2019wakw Nation of Vancouver Island and grew up in the Namgis Reserve in Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. His parents came from chieftain families. He was taught by his father in most areas of his nation\u2019s traditional history and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After graduating in social work, George Taylor moved to Victoria in 1976 to become a social worker for several First Nations\u2019 groups. Under the leadership of elders and chiefs, the Le-La-La Dancers Society was founded in 1987. Since then, George has dedicated himself with much hard work and dedication to developing and leading a traditional performance group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The number of tribes is not small. What is special about the Kwakwaka\u2019wakw?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Kwakwaka\u2019wakw (pronounced: KWOK-wok-ya-wokw) have built a rich culture that reflects and recognizes our natural environment. Our songs, stories, dances and ceremonial objects honor the animals, rivers, cedar trees, salmon and all the things that contribute to the physical and spiritual preservation of the Kwakwaka\u2019wakw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many books about the life of the Native Americans. What cultural traditions do you still cultivate today?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many people believe that a rich and powerful person is someone who owns a lot. The Kwak\u00b4wala see it differently: a rich and powerful person is someone who gives away the most. For a long time the Kwakwaka\u2019wakw have been organizing potlatches. Even today this ceremony plays a central and connecting role in community life. The word \u201cPotlatch\u201d means \u201cto give\u201d. Guests who participate in this event receive gifts. The more gifts are given, the higher the Potlatch host\u2019s status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Potlatch ceremony marks important events in the life of the Kwakwaka\u2019wakw: the naming of children, marriage, transfer of rights and privileges, and mourning for the dead. It is a festival that shows all the pride of the tribe: Masks are worn and dances are performed. It is a great spectacle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In our culture we dance and sing to celebrate life. Each family has its own history, which tells how it comes from a first ancestor. These stories tell of encounters with supernatural beings, animals and other families. They show spirituality and bring to life the privileges handed down by our ancestors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of our costumes are made by us in a traditional way or are handed down by family members over generations. Our masks carved talented hands from artists in our family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We like the natural setting of the festival in Dresden Elbland. Here everything is planned with a lot of heart for detail and the visitors love our culture. That\u2019s great to experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dresden-magazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/T\u00e4nze-der-Kwakwaka\u00b4wakw-Nation-4_Andr\u00e9-Wirsig-1024x683.jpg\")
Good cue. What do you express with your dances?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
All your costumes look pretty elaborate. Do you produce them yourself?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is not the first time you have made the long journey to the Karl May Festival in Radebeul. What memories do you still have in your heart?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Radebeul is about 8,000 km away from your home. What makes you take this \u201ctravel strain\u201d upon yourself?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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